Cane with Spring-Actuated Gripper

ABSTRACT

A cane with trigger-actuated gripper is an apparatus that is used as a walking aid and an aid for grabbing or picking up objects. The apparatus includes a cane which is used to aid a user with walking and increase distance the user is able to reach. A grasping mechanism is connected to the can and used to aid users with grabbing or picking up objects. A trigger located near the handle of the cane is used to control a spring-loaded claw assembly. The spring-loaded claw assembly, located near the foot of the cane, is used to clench or pick up objects. A cable runs through the inside of the cane&#39;s hollow shaft and links the trigger to the spring-loaded claw assembly.

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 61/974,213 filed on Apr. 2, 2014.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to walking aids and grabbing devices. More specifically, the present invention is a combination of a walking cane and a clenching device. The present invention gives a user the convenience of a grabbing device hold or pick up items within reach of their cane.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Canes are commonly used as a walking aid for people with disabilities and injuries that affect their mobility. While they are generally effective in assisting users with walking, many users who experience difficulties with mobility may also have disabilities or injuries that limit their ability to grab, grasp, lift or otherwise hold objects. For such users, a cane does not help with these issues. Instead, a standard cane will likely limit the ability of a user to grab or lift an object. This is because the act of using a cane requires the use of a hand that would otherwise be free to hold an object.

Accordingly, there is a present need for an apparatus that provides the walking assistance of a cane while also providing a means of grabbing or lifting objects. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a cane that acts both as a walking aid and a means of grabbing and lifting objects. The cane uses a trigger which controls the opening and closing of a claw which may be used to grasp objects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention with the spring-loaded claw assembly in a closed position.

FIG. 2 is a left side view of the present invention with the spring-loaded claw assembly in an open position.

FIG. 3 is a section view of the present invention taken along the line A-A in FIG. 2, wherein the spring-loaded claw assembly is in an open position.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the present invention with the spring-loaded claw assembly in an open position.

FIG. 5 is a left side view of the present invention with the spring-loaded claw assembly in a closed position.

FIG. 6 is a section view of the present invention taken along the line B-B in FIG. 5, wherein the spring-loaded claw assembly is in a closed position.

FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the present invention with the spring-loaded claw assembly in an open position.

FIG. 8 is a detailed view of the present invention taken from the circle C in FIG. 7, wherein the spring-loaded claw assembly is in a closed position.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the claw, showing the arrangement of the plurality of grip features, the grip layer, and the tip of the claw.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, the present invention is a cane with trigger-actuated gripper that acts both as a walking aid and a means of grabbing and lifting objects. The present invention comprises a cane 1 and a grasping mechanism 7. The cane 1 is a kind of walking aid that is held at one end by the user. The cane 1 comprises a hollow shaft 3, a foot 4 and a handle 2. The hollow shaft 3 is used to support the weight of the user. The foot 4 and the handle 2 are positioned opposite to each other along the hollow shaft 3. The foot 4 is used to grip the ground when the present invention is used as a walking aid. When the present invention is used to pick up or grasp objects, the foot 4 may be used to help grip the object being grasped. In the preferred embodiment, the foot 4 is made from rubber; however, in alternative embodiments, any other suitable material may be used. The handle 2 is used to provide an ergonomic means of holding the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, the handle 2 is roughly T-shaped and is contoured to comfortably fit into the hand of the user. In alternative embodiments, the handle 2 may have a rounded shape or may be decorative.

The grasping mechanism 7 is connected to the cane 1 and is used to clench objects such that said objects may be moved or lifted. The grasping mechanism 7 comprises a trigger 8, a spring-loaded claw assembly 14, and a cable 27. The trigger 8 is hingedly and laterally connected to the hollow shaft 3 and is positioned adjacent to the handle 2. The trigger 8 is used to actuate the spring-loaded claw assembly 14 such that objects may be grasped. The spring-loaded claw assembly 14 is hingedly and laterally connected to the hollow shaft 3 and is positioned adjacent to the foot 4. The spring-loaded claw assembly 14 is normally in a closed position, but may be opened to grab objects. The cable 27 acts as a link between the trigger 8 and the spring-loaded claw assembly 14. The trigger 8 is tensionably tethered to the spring-loaded claw assembly 14 by the cable 27. The cable 27 is slidably mounted through the hollow shaft 3. When the trigger 8 is pulled, the cable 27 causes the spring-loaded claw assembly 14 to open by pivoting in relation to the hollow shaft 3. When the trigger 8 is released, the spring-loaded claw assembly 14 returns to the closed position.

In reference to FIGS. 2-3 and FIGS. 5-6, the trigger 8 comprises a free end 9, a tensioning end 10, and a trigger pivot portion 11. The free end 9 is positioned adjacent and perpendicular to the tensioning end 10. The free end 9 extends away from the hollow shaft 3 and may be pulled by the user to actuate the spring-loaded claw assembly 14. In the preferred embodiment, the free end 9 has a slightly curved shape which is designed to comfortably fit in the user's hand. The trigger pivot portion 11 is the intersection point between the free end 9 and the tensioning end 10, which positions the trigger pivot portion 11 in between the free end 9 and the tensioning end 10. The trigger pivot portion 11 is hingedly mounted to the hollow shaft 3, so that the trigger pivot portion 11 is used as a fulcrum between the free end 9 and the tensioning end 10. In order to actuate the grasping mechanism 7 with the trigger 8, a first cable end 28 of the cable 27 needs to be adjacently connected to the tensioning end 10, opposite to the trigger pivot portion 11. When the user pulls on the free end 9, the entire trigger 8 rotates about the trigger pivot portion 11. This causes the tensioning end 10 to pull on the first cable end 28, thus actuating the spring-loaded claw assembly 14.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the trigger 8 is not directly connected to the hollow shaft 3. In reference to FIGS. 1-6, the grasping mechanism 7 further comprises a trigger mount 12 which is laterally connected to the hollow shaft 3. The trigger mount 12 is used because the trigger mount 12 offers a simple method of hingedly mounting the trigger 8 to the hollow shaft 3 without the need for complex parts. The trigger pivot portion 11 is hingedly connected to the trigger mount 12. The cable 27 traverses through the trigger mount 12, such that the cable 27 is able to still interact with the trigger 8. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the trigger 8 may be directly connected to the hollow shaft 3.

In reference to FIGS. 7-8, the spring-loaded claw assembly 14 comprises a lever 15 and a claw 18. The lever 17 is a pivoting arm that controls the position of the claw 18. The claw 18 is used to grasp and or pick up objects. The lever 15 comprises a pivot end 16 and an actuation end 17. The entire spring-loaded claw assembly 14 rotates about the pivot end 16. The rotation of the spring-loaded claw assembly 14 is caused by forces applied to the actuation end 17. Thus, the claw 18 needs to be adjacently connected to the actuation end 17. A second cable end 29 of the cable 27 is tethered to the actuation end 17. The pivot end 16 is hingedly mounted to the hollow shaft 3, such that when the trigger 8 is pulled, the second cable end 29 pulls on the actuation end 17, causing the spring-loaded claw assembly 14 to rotate about the pivot end 16.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the spring-loaded claw assembly 14 is not directly connected to the hollow shaft 3. In reference to FIGS. 7-8, the grasping mechanism 7 further comprises a claw mount 13 which is laterally connected to the hollow shaft 3. The claw mount 13 offers a simple method of hingedly mounting the spring-loaded claw assembly 14 to the hollow shaft 3 without the need for complex parts, and, therefore, the pivot end 16 is hingedly connected to the claw mount 13. The cable 27 traverses through the claw mount 13 such that the cable 27 is still able to interact with the spring-loaded claw assembly 14. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the spring-loaded claw assembly 14 may be directly connected to the hollow shaft 3.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the spring-loaded claw assembly 14 comprises a spring 24. In reference to FIGS. 6-8, the spring 24 is used to apply a constant retractive force on the actuation end 17 such that the claw 18 naturally rests in the closed position. A first spring end 25 of the spring 24 is pivotally connected to the actuation end 17, and a second spring end 26 of the spring 24 is pivotally mounted to the hollow shaft 3. When pulling the trigger 8, the user must overcome the force of the spring 24 to rotate the claw 18 into an open position. When the trigger 8 is released, the spring 24 pulls the claw 18 back into the closed position. Though the preferred embodiment of the present invention uses a tension spring, alternative embodiments may employ one or more compression springs, torsion springs, elastic bands, or any other type of spring-like devices.

In reference to FIGS. 6-9, the claw 18 comprises a tip 19, a grasping surface 20, an outward surface 21, a plurality of grip features 22, and a grip layer 23. The tip 19 is positioned opposite to the actuation end 17, along the claw 18. The tip 19 is used to grasp and lift objects and is particularly useful for manipulating small objects. The grasping surface 20 and the outward surface 21 are positioned opposite to each other through the claw 18 and traverse from the actuation end 17 to the tip 19. The grasping surface 20 is oriented towards the hollow shaft 3 and is used to grasp objects by pressing said objects against the hollow shaft 3. The outward surface 21 is oriented away from the hollow shaft 3. The plurality of grip features 22 is integrated across the grasping surface 20 and is used to prevent objects from slipping out of the area between the claw 18 and the hollow shaft 3. The grip layer 23 is superimposed onto the plurality of grip features 22 and about the tip 19. The grip layer 23 is used to enhance the ability of the claw 18 to grip objects. This is shown in FIG. 9. In the preferred embodiment, the grip layer 23 is a rubber-like material; however, any other non-slip material may be used.

In reference to FIGS. 1-6, the cane 1 comprises a first guide pin 5 and a second guide pin 6. The first guide pin 5 and the second guide pin 6 are used to direct the cable 27 through the inside of the hollow shaft 3, while also minimizing the amount of stress and wear that the cable 27 experiences. The first guide pin 5 is laterally mounted within the hollow shaft 3, adjacent to the trigger 8. As the cable 27 enters the hollow shaft 3, near the handle 2, the cable 27 is redirected by the first guide pin 5. The cable 27 is slidably engaged about the first guide pin 5, such that the cable 27 can easily slide when the trigger 8 is pulled. The second guide pin 6 is laterally mounted within the hollow shaft 3, adjacent to the spring-loaded claw assembly 14. As the cable 27 enters the hollow shaft 3, near the foot 4, the cable 27 is redirected by the second guide pin 6. The cable 27 is slidably engaged about the second guide pin 6, such that the cable 27 can easily slide when the trigger 8 is pulled.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A cane with trigger-actuated gripper comprises: a cane; a grasping mechanism; the cane comprises a hollow shaft, a foot, and a handle; the grasping mechanism comprises a trigger, a spring-loaded claw assembly, and a cable; the foot and the handle being positioned opposite to each other along the hollow shaft; the trigger being hingedly and laterally connected to the hollow shaft; the trigger being positioned adjacent to the handle; the spring-loaded claw assembly being hingedly and laterally connected to the hollow shaft; the spring-loaded claw assembly being positioned adjacent to the foot; the trigger being tensionably tethered to the spring-loaded claw assembly by the cable; and the cable being slidably mounted through the hollow shaft.
 2. The cane with trigger-actuated gripper as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the trigger comprises a free end, a tensioning end, and a trigger pivot portion; the cable comprises a first cable end; the free end being positioned adjacent and perpendicular to the tensioning end; the trigger pivot portion being positioned between the free end and the tensioning end; the trigger pivot portion being hingedly mounted to the hollow shaft; and the first cable end being adjacently connected to the tensioning end, opposite to the trigger pivot portion.
 3. The cane with trigger-actuated gripper as claimed in claim 2 comprises: the grasping mechanism comprises a trigger mount; the trigger mount being laterally connected to the hollow shaft; the trigger pivot portion being hingedly connected to the trigger mount; and the cable traversing through the trigger mount.
 4. The cane with trigger-actuated gripper as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the spring-loaded claw assembly comprises a lever and a claw; the lever comprises a pivot end and an actuation end; the cable comprises a second cable end; the claw being adjacently connected to the actuation end; the second cable end being tethered to the actuation end; and the pivot end being hingedly mounted to the hollow shaft.
 5. The cane with trigger-actuated gripper as claimed in claim 4 comprises: the grasping mechanism comprises a claw mount; the claw mount being laterally connected to the hollow shaft; the pivot end being hingedly connected to the claw mount; and the cable traversing through the claw mount.
 6. The cane with trigger-actuated gripper as claimed in claim 4 comprises: the spring-loaded claw assembly comprises a spring; the spring comprises a first spring end and a second spring end; the first spring end being pivotally connected to the actuation end; and the second spring end being pivotally mounted to the hollow shaft.
 7. The cane with trigger-actuated gripper as claimed in claim 4 comprises: the claw comprises a tip, a grasping surface, an outward surface, a plurality of grip features, and a grip layer; the tip being positioned opposite to the actuation end, along the claw; the grasping surface and the outward surface being positioned opposite to each other through the claw; the grasping surface and the outward surface traversing from the actuation end to the tip; the grasping surface being oriented towards the hollow shaft; the outward surface being oriented away from the hollow shaft; the plurality of grip features being integrated across the grasping surface; and the grip layer being superimposed onto the plurality of grip features and about the tip.
 8. The cane with trigger-actuated gripper as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the cane comprises a first guide pin and a second guide pin; the first guide pin being laterally mounted within the hollow shaft, adjacent to the trigger; the cable being slidably engaged about the first guide pin; the second guide pin being laterally mounted within the hollow shaft, adjacent to the spring-loaded claw assembly; and the cable being slidably engaged about the second guide pin.
 9. A cane with trigger-actuated gripper comprises: a cane; a grasping mechanism; the cane comprises a hollow shaft, a foot, a handle, a first guide pin and a second guide pin; the grasping mechanism comprises a trigger, a spring-loaded claw assembly, and a cable; the foot and the handle being positioned opposite to each other along the hollow shaft; the trigger being hingedly and laterally connected to the hollow shaft; the trigger being positioned adjacent to the handle; the spring-loaded claw assembly being hingedly and laterally connected to the hollow shaft; the spring-loaded claw assembly being positioned adjacent to the foot; the trigger being tensionably tethered to the spring-loaded claw assembly by the cable; the cable being slidably mounted through the hollow shaft; the first guide pin being laterally mounted within the hollow shaft, adjacent to the trigger; the cable being slidably engaged about the first guide pin; the second guide pin being laterally mounted within the hollow shaft, adjacent to the spring-loaded claw assembly; and the cable being slidably engaged about the second guide pin.
 10. The cane with trigger-actuated gripper as claimed in claim 9 comprises: the trigger comprises a free end, a tensioning end, and a trigger pivot portion; the cable comprises a first cable end; the free end being positioned adjacent and perpendicular to the tensioning end; the trigger pivot portion being positioned between the free end and the tensioning end; the trigger pivot portion being hingedly mounted to the hollow shaft; and the first cable end being adjacently connected to the tensioning end, opposite to the trigger pivot portion.
 11. The cane with trigger-actuated gripper as claimed in claim 10 comprises: the grasping mechanism comprises a trigger mount; the trigger mount being laterally connected to the hollow shaft; the trigger pivot portion being hingedly connected to the trigger mount; and the cable traversing through the trigger mount.
 12. The cane with trigger-actuated gripper as claimed in claim 9 comprises: the spring-loaded claw assembly comprises a lever and a claw; the lever comprises a pivot end and an actuation end; the cable comprises a second cable end; the claw being adjacently connected to the actuation end; the second cable end being tethered to the actuation end; and the pivot end being hingedly mounted to the hollow shaft.
 13. The cane with trigger-actuated gripper as claimed in claim 12 comprises: the grasping mechanism comprises a claw mount; the claw mount being laterally connected to the hollow shaft; the pivot end being hingedly connected to the claw mount; and the cable traversing through the claw mount.
 14. The cane with trigger-actuated gripper as claimed in claim 12 comprises: the spring-loaded claw assembly comprises a spring; the spring comprises a first spring end and a second spring end; the first spring end being pivotally connected to the actuation end; and the second spring end being pivotally mounted to the hollow shaft.
 15. The cane with trigger-actuated gripper as claimed in claim 12 comprises: the claw comprises a tip, a grasping surface, an outward surface, a plurality of grip features, and a grip layer; the tip being positioned opposite to the actuation end, along the claw; the grasping surface and the outward surface being positioned opposite to each other through the claw; the grasping surface and the outward surface traversing from the actuation end to the tip; the grasping surface being oriented towards the hollow shaft; the outward surface being oriented away from the hollow shaft; the plurality of grip features being integrated across the grasping surface; and the grip layer being superimposed onto the plurality of grip features and about the tip.
 16. A cane with trigger-actuated gripper comprises: a cane; a grasping mechanism; the cane comprises a hollow shaft, a foot, and a handle; the grasping mechanism comprises a trigger, a spring-loaded claw assembly, and a cable; the trigger comprises a free end, a tensioning end, and a trigger pivot portion; the cable comprises a first cable end and a second cable end; the spring-loaded claw assembly comprises a lever and a claw; the lever comprises a pivot end and an actuation end; the foot and the handle being positioned opposite to each other along the hollow shaft; the trigger being hingedly and laterally connected to the hollow shaft; the trigger being positioned adjacent to the handle; the spring-loaded claw assembly being hingedly and laterally connected to the hollow shaft; the spring-loaded claw assembly being positioned adjacent to the foot; the trigger being tensionably tethered to the spring-loaded claw assembly by the cable; the cable being slidably mounted through the hollow shaft; the free end being positioned adjacent and perpendicular to the tensioning end; the trigger pivot portion being positioned between the free end and the tensioning end; the trigger pivot portion being hingedly mounted to the hollow shaft; the first cable end being adjacently connected to the tensioning end, opposite to the trigger pivot portion; the claw being adjacently connected to the actuation end; the second cable end being tethered to the actuation end; and the pivot end being hingedly mounted to the hollow shaft.
 17. The cane with trigger-actuated gripper as claimed in claim 16 comprises: the grasping mechanism comprises a trigger mount; the trigger mount being laterally connected to the hollow shaft; the trigger pivot portion being hingedly connected to the trigger mount; and the cable traversing through the trigger mount.
 18. The cane with trigger-actuated gripper as claimed in claim 16 comprises: the grasping mechanism comprises a claw mount; the claw comprises a tip, a grasping surface, an outward surface, a plurality of grip features, and a grip layer; the claw mount being laterally connected to the hollow shaft; the pivot end being hingedly connected to the claw mount; the cable traversing through the claw mount; the tip being positioned opposite to the actuation end, along the claw; the grasping surface and the outward surface being positioned opposite to each other through the claw; the grasping surface and the outward surface traversing from the actuation end to the tip; the grasping surface being oriented towards the hollow shaft; the outward surface being oriented away from the hollow shaft; the plurality of grip features being integrated across the grasping surface; and the grip layer being superimposed onto the plurality of grip features and about the tip.
 19. The cane with trigger-actuated gripper as claimed in claim 16 comprises: the spring-loaded claw assembly comprises a spring; the spring comprises a first spring end and a second spring end; the first spring end being pivotally connected to the actuation end; and the second spring end being pivotally mounted to the hollow shaft.
 20. The cane with trigger-actuated gripper as claimed in claim 16 comprises: the cane comprises a first guide pin and a second guide pin; the first guide pin being laterally mounted within the hollow shaft, adjacent to the trigger; the cable being slidably engaged about the first guide pin; the second guide pin being laterally mounted within the hollow shaft, adjacent to the spring-loaded claw assembly; and the cable being slidably engaged about the second guide pin. 